How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
automatic vacuum cleaner and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is a good option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These advances have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices, however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to know where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.